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Breast cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the epithelial cells of the mammary glands or ductal epithelium and is one of the most common malignancies in women. Its development results from the combined effects of multiple factors. Although the global incidence remains high, most patients can achieve a favorable prognosis through early screening and standardized treatment.
Breast cancer is mainly classified into two categories:
1. Histopathological types
The most common subtype is invasive ductal carcinoma (70%–75%), followed by invasive lobular carcinoma (12%–15%). The remainder comprises less common subtypes such as medullary carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma.
2. Molecular subtypes (based on ER, PR, and HER2 status)
① Luminal A (most common): HR positive/HER2 negative; sensitive to endocrine therapy, with a relatively favorable prognosis.
② Luminal B: HR positive with HER2 positivity and/or high proliferative activity; endocrine therapy ± chemotherapy ± targeted therapy may be required.
③ HER2 overexpression subtype: HR negative/HER2 positive; anti-HER2 targeted therapy is the mainstay.
④ Triple-negative breast cancer: HR negative/HER2 negative; highly aggressive and primarily treated with chemotherapy.
1. Genetic factors: Approximately 5%–10% of cases are associated with inherited gene mutations (e.g., BRCA1/2).
2. Hormonal exposure: Prolonged high levels of endogenous estrogen exposure (e.g., early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity) are major risk factors. Exogenous hormones (e.g., postmenopausal hormone therapy) may also increase risk.
3. Lifestyle factors: Physical inactivity, obesity (especially after menopause), and excessive alcohol consumption.
4. Other factors: Prior chest radiotherapy and a history of certain benign breast diseases (e.g. atypical hyperplasia).
1. Regular screening: Perform clinical examination, breast ultrasonography, and/or mammography according to guidelines. High-risk individuals should start earlier and may require additional MRI.
2. Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy body weight, follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, limit alcohol intake, and avoid smoking.
3. Risk management: Encourage breastfeeding and use hormone replacement therapy cautiously.
4. Risk reduction for very high-risk individuals: Individuals at very high risk (e.g., carriers of pathogenic gene mutations) may consider chemoprevention or prophylactic surgery.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that breast cancer has entered an era of chronic disease-oriented management. The key lies in evidence-based prevention and standardized diagnosis and treatment. Through regular screening and the application of minimally invasive and reconstructive techniques, efficacy can be ensured while markedly improving patients’ quality of life. Maintaining a positive mindset and working closely with a professional medical team are central to long-term recovery.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the epithelial cells of the mammary glands or ductal epithelium and is one of the most common malignancies in women. Its development results from the combined effects of multiple factors. Although the global incidence remains high, most patients can achieve a favorable prognosis through early screening and standardized treatment.
Breast cancer is mainly classified into two categories:
1. Histopathological types
The most common subtype is invasive ductal carcinoma (70%–75%), followed by invasive lobular carcinoma (12%–15%). The remainder comprises less common subtypes such as medullary carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma.
2. Molecular subtypes (based on ER, PR, and HER2 status)
① Luminal A (most common): HR positive/HER2 negative; sensitive to endocrine therapy, with a relatively favorable prognosis.
② Luminal B: HR positive with HER2 positivity and/or high proliferative activity; endocrine therapy ± chemotherapy ± targeted therapy may be required.
③ HER2 overexpression subtype: HR negative/HER2 positive; anti-HER2 targeted therapy is the mainstay.
④ Triple-negative breast cancer: HR negative/HER2 negative; highly aggressive and primarily treated with chemotherapy.
1. Genetic factors: Approximately 5%–10% of cases are associated with inherited gene mutations (e.g., BRCA1/2).
2. Hormonal exposure: Prolonged high levels of endogenous estrogen exposure (e.g., early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity) are major risk factors. Exogenous hormones (e.g., postmenopausal hormone therapy) may also increase risk.
3. Lifestyle factors: Physical inactivity, obesity (especially after menopause), and excessive alcohol consumption.
4. Other factors: Prior chest radiotherapy and a history of certain benign breast diseases (e.g. atypical hyperplasia).
1. Regular screening: Perform clinical examination, breast ultrasonography, and/or mammography according to guidelines. High-risk individuals should start earlier and may require additional MRI.
2. Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy body weight, follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, limit alcohol intake, and avoid smoking.
3. Risk management: Encourage breastfeeding and use hormone replacement therapy cautiously.
4. Risk reduction for very high-risk individuals: Individuals at very high risk (e.g., carriers of pathogenic gene mutations) may consider chemoprevention or prophylactic surgery.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that breast cancer has entered an era of chronic disease-oriented management. The key lies in evidence-based prevention and standardized diagnosis and treatment. Through regular screening and the application of minimally invasive and reconstructive techniques, efficacy can be ensured while markedly improving patients’ quality of life. Maintaining a positive mindset and working closely with a professional medical team are central to long-term recovery.